Hi all, I had this debate with my buddies a few months ago based on the below link and more specifically, the quote below:
“(Bringing in someone from the outside) is the other side of it. And I am not saying it’s totally wrong. But when (former GM) Jeff (Bridich) left there were a lot of people from the outside who interviewed or had interest. They would tell me how to win at altitude and everything they mentioned, it would not have worked, or it’s all things we have tried,”
It made me wonder “what is the best team construction for the Colorado Rockies?” I’ve seen comments about finding pitchers with good fastball and sliders without relying too heavily on breaking balls.
Curious to know what others think
Here is my realistic list (given CO’s reputation):
1. Speedy, defensive CF with average to good OBP to take advantage of base running
2. Other outfielders with good speed to cover the larger outfield of Coors
3. Power hitting corner infielders (1B, 3B)
4. Starting pitching that relies on fastballs not breaking balls
5. Average relief pitching
6. Hard throwing closing pitcher
2 comments
I don’t have time right now to expand on each point but want to hit real quick on #4. The problem with fastballs and really any pitch at altitude is they don’t move as much. That may make people think well then we will defeat them with speed but the problem is major league hitters can adjust and catch up to 102, 103 etc if it’s flat and not moving. Fastballs still rely to a degree on movement so it’s not just about speed.
If anything I’d say command is most important, the more pitches they command well the better. Keep it on the shadow zones of the strike zone
>it’s all things we have tried
Then give up, Dick. You’re not cut out for the effort.